Literally :(. 
My car was parked eight spaces from the road, beside the church building where I was at a Bible study…a church parking lot. Broad daylight.
My car was backed into the space, so the front was facing out, and as I walked to it I noticed what looked like shattered glass in the passenger seat. I did not process the fact there was no window remaining in the passenger door. I opened my door and that’s when the realization hit. Glass EVERYWHERE–how could there be SO MUCH GLASS from one window? How could someone be so brazen to do this in BROAD DAYLIGHT?
Because I was late (yet another story), I decided to leave my pocketbook in the car, out of view under the console between the two front seats (why does that sentence feel like I was trying to go for a preposition-use contest?). It’s not a high crime area, and did I mention it was a church parking lot in a spot BESIDE the building? Yes, I believe I did. I’m not a purse fiend, but I LIKED this bag. It was a gift from my favorite sister for Christmas–a "Prada" wannabe, a knock-off straight from the 
streets of New York City. I’m not a label girl (or a fake label girl…hmmmm, a "fable" girl…) either, but this pocketbook was a perfect size, very neutral, great for everyday–I am NOT into changing purses to match shoes, so these attributes are important. PLUS, I hate to shop for shoes OR purses, because it is RARE for there to be only three choices. Any more than that, and I short circuit and come away with nothing (or six pairs of shoes…I’m not kidding).
I fell apart when I realized what happened. I cannot imagine having your home broken into or being physically assaulted–knowing there’s someone out there with your name and address is a s t r a n g e feeling…. The incident for the perpetrator probably took all of 90 seconds, but this violation has lingering effect.
There are positive things to consider–no one else’s car was touched…my digital camera and cell phone WERE IN THE CAR IN PLAIN VIEW, and they were left alone (maybe they could tell the camera is a stinkin’ lemon:/)…there were additional credit cards in the car, just removed from my wallet for who knows WHAT reason (I don’t, and I’m the one who did it!), there were no extra sets of keys in my bag, we have insurance to cover the window damage. The eerie feeling that lingers, though, is they know my address, they know what I look like, and they know what my children look like…:(.
Oh, an interesting aside, perhaps only to me, my car was broken into once before, maybe 10-15 years ago in South Carolina. The location? A parking lot between my former church and the retirement community where I used to work. Under a streetlight. While I was at a Bible study.
I’m so sorry – this is terrible! Sounds like you need to stop going to bible study ;). I’m glad it wasn’t worse, but it’s still awful. My outlook is that whoever did it, will get what’s coming to him. Thinking of you.
Never been to church, never had my car robbed, you do the math.
Seriously, sorry to hear about it. This always gets me mad.
Oh Robin! I am so sorry!! You better stop going to those Bible studies!! 🙂
Seriously, I had a car stolen and it’s a sickening feeling. Chances are pretty good though that whoever did it wasn’t interested in finding out your address or about your family, but I’d be extra careful just in case. I’m so sorry!!
OH NO, Robin! I’m so sorry! How terrible!
Just remember – the perpetrator was probably only interested in taking money or anything he could sell or trade quickly. More than likely he’s already disposed of your purse (pictures and all). He’s probably not at all interested in you or your family – he probably needed a “quick fix” and just made off with your money.
All that being said, I would be reacting EXACTLY LIKE YOU ARE. I know it’s easy for me to say all of this when I’m so far from the situation, but I know I would be feeling the same.
And, remember:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.
I will be praying for you and your family tonight.
((((((HUGS))))))
Mark, I just figure they needed stuff more than me…thing is, I woulda given them what they NEEDED.
WT, I bet you never carried a pocketbook, either (Prada or wannabe 😉 ). Thanks for the empathy.
Claudia, A CAR??? Geezaree….I can’t imagine that. Was it ever recovered?
Susan………thanks friend, one of my favorites :). And I agree, if they left the camera and phone, they just wanted fast money. Sadly, I had more than usual in my wallet today :/.
Oh Robin – how awful!!! What a terrible thing to have happen at any time – no matter where you are!
Susan said it best – it was a snatch and grab, so the perp has your money and the purse is already in the garbage.
At least it was just a purse and window and not you.
Kar, I KNOW! Can you imagine what it would be like walking up as they were smashing my window???? Yikes!
Wow I am sooo sorry.
🙁 that’s awful! I’m sorry.
Make sure you put a fraud alert out on your credit report.
T.O.M.M.O.R.O.W
That’s terrible ! Probably it’s safer to park just in front of a suspicious night club entree !
This happened to me last December! Gorram rats!!
Will be interesting to see their defence when they have to stand before God and justify their action!
That so sucks! I am glad that *you* didn’t get hurt though. I know dealing with the crap of it all is a pain though.
So sorry!
Oh, I found you somehow – I started at Ree’s blog. I don’t even normally blog-hop but felt compelled for some reason that day (or maybe it was a crummy day at the office – lol). Regardless, it was a lucky day for me!
Laurel Wreath and Malissa, blog-empathy goes a long way :)…thanks for popping in.
Pamela, Hmmm, we didn’t do that but called the bank and credit card companies…thanks for the reminder!
Gattina, you’re probably right because there they’d likely have security!
Erik, YOUR POCKETBOOK WAS STOLEN!!! I didn’t think you were the type to carry one;). No, j/k…I really do think it was a “smash and dash”, possibly funding a meth habit :(.
Suz, I’d say it was a lucky day for ME! 😀
Robin so sorry to read this. It happened to me once when I parked my car outside my house instead of behind locked gates of my back yard (we had scaffolding up at the time)they only got the car radio but I was mad as hell. Then would you believe it although I didn’t replace the radio for nearly 6 months, within weeks they (we assume same person) returned and did exactly the same (the car was locked inside the gates which they forced open)
yes…I found the car myself about 1 1/2 month later as I was driving home in my new car. The police told me I should just go home, get the keys and drive it back…I had it towed and let the insurance company have it.
Chris, lightning struck twice? The eeriest feeling is seeming to be “watched”…and I imagine if they got you, they got many others. It infuriates me :(.
Claudia, wow…how bizarre…yeah, at that point, what good was it to you? :/
I am sorry Robin! people are just…blah sometimes. I know you are probably feeling angry and violated right now. That;s how I felt after my car was broken into… especially after I told my husband not to leave stuff in the car for anyone to see in plain view. Like a portable tv and cd player.
I hope you are feeling better soon.
Poor poor Robin! That sucks. I’m so sorry.
Maybe you should avoid church from now on.
No?
Okay, how about this? Maybe you were protected both times in that you weren’t there when the robber was. Getting your car broken into sucks but getting mugged would be much more dangerous. Maybe your guardian angel was looking after you after all.
Sending you hugs.
((Robin))..just had two seconds to stop by for a visit…sorry about what happened but glad to know you are ‘ok.’
I’ve been so busy this month, I’ve not had a chance to even say hi. March should be less eventful for me.
Oh Robin! I’m SOOO sorry. That royally stinks.
And for heaven’s sakes – what kind of a moron robs someone who’s at Bible study?
Maybe he/she thinks there’s a better chance of forgiveness.
Anyway, hope everything is alright.
How awful for you.
MaryMert, Today was 1,000% better in a lot of ways, but if I think about it, I’m still unnerved (best not to dwell on it). I hate that you KNOW how I feel from experience :/.
Jenny, I cannot imagine walking up to find someone in the midst of that, so yeah, I’m thankful when I consider the “what ifs”.
Swampy, you HAVE been living life to the full, that’s for sure!
Kelly, I think they were watching and saw an easy target :(…Bullseye!
Becky, sadly, since it happened I’ve heard it “happens all the time” in church lots (people know you think you’re “safe”)…take note!
While you were at BIBLE STUDY???? Holy something or other…
I’m sorry about your purse and your window.
My car was broken into before as well. And I was shocked by how violated I felt. I immediately, thought, “My God…I CAN’T imagine how an assault victim feels…I have no bloody idea.”
And then suddenly felt thankful.
I am sorry though…I’m just glad that you weren’t hurt.
Kevin, sounds like you felt pretty much like I did…and thanks for your thoughts.
awful – I’m so sorry. It was probably my neighbors, they steal cars for a living. I didn’t know they covered so much territory.
Well that just stinks Robin! Unfortunately, I can relate. I left my purse in the church pew when I had to go up front and be introduced as a new member (of all things). Yup, some loser stole my purse. Got themselves some free gas with my credit card while I was still in the service. sigh. So sorry that happened to you.